California Governor Signs Bills Challenging Federal Immigration Policies

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a series of bills aimed at countering immigration enforcement tactics used by the Trump administration in California. These measures include restrictions on the use of electric shock gloves and the prohibition of law enforcement wearing face coverings, following a previous law that was blocked.

More than 20 bills were approved to curb strategies used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, including arrest practices near immigration hearings. Other legislation enhances state oversight of federal detention centers.

Trump has prioritized his political agenda over the welfare of American families. California is acting to increase transparency, accountability, and oversight on immigration enforcement in our state, said Newsom. He emphasized that California would hold the federal government accountable.

A key bill bans electric shock gloves for law enforcement, prompted by plans from the Department of Homeland Security to equip agents with these gloves for $20 million.

The “No Kings Act” enables residents to sue federal agents for civil rights violations. Authored by Senator Scott Wiener, the bill closes a loophole that exempted federal officials from similar state laws.

Another Wiener bill prohibits ICE agents and law enforcement from wearing masks, rectifying a previous bill blocked by a judge. This new legislation applies to both federal and state police.

Several bills enhance state oversight of immigration detention centers, including AB 1801, which mandates a 180-day waiting period and public hearings before approving new or converted detention facilities.

Newsom also signed a 25% tax on companies operating immigration detention centers, expected to generate $177 million. The centers are predominantly run by GEO Group and CoreCivic under federal contracts. AB 1633, by Assemblymember Matt Haney, enacted this tax.

Another law requires disclosure of 911 calls from detention centers, following a CalMatters investigation into alleged mismanagement of sexual assault cases at Otay Mesa in San Diego. These were investigated by CoreCivic rather than local law enforcement.

Our communities deserve safety, and no detained individual should resort to throwing notes over facility walls to be heard, stated Senator Lena Gonzalez, who authored the legislation.

Concerns about rising deaths and poor conditions in ICE detention have been raised by activists and lawmakers. During Trump’s second term, 57 in-custody deaths were reported, up from 26 in the prior four years.

The Attorney General’s recent reviews found substandard conditions in detention centers, including overcrowding, delayed medical care, and inadequate food and clothing. Newsom extended the attorney general’s review duty indefinitely, which was set to expire.